Defence Training Estate_
CASE STUDY
Working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Brimstone completed UXO Risk Assessments across the UK’s Defence Training Estate, covering 75 military training areas and 176,752 hectares.
Brimstone UXO was engaged by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to undertake UXO risk assessments across the UK’s Defence Training Estate (DTE). The project focused on providing detailed insights into potential unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks across numerous military training areas, helping to support safe operational planning and land management.
Over the course of this extensive project, Brimstone’s Research team assessed 75 military training areas, including three within STANTA, covering a total of 176,752 hectares. The work involved reviewing historical maps, records, and photographs to understand how training areas had evolved over time.
On site, our team collaborated closely with Training Safety Marshalls (TSMs) and Training Safety Officers (TSOs), reviewing range logbooks and photographing areas of interest to shape each assessment. The approach was meticulous and collaborative, ensuring precision at every stage.
Exploring the UK’s Military Training Landscape
The project required travel across the entirety of mainland UK, from the south coast of England to the northernmost points of Scotland. Our team conducted walkovers on a variety of ranges, including small arms, grenades, mortars, artillery, aerial bombing, aircraft strafing, and naval bombardment sites.
Throughout the assessments, Brimstone researchers encountered a wide array of ordnance items and uncovered evidence of previously unknown historic training features. The work also offered opportunities to meet personnel stationed at each training area and gain insight from their experience – guidance that proved invaluable in understanding site-specific risks.
Personal Insights from the Project Team
This was a uniquely hands-on project, giving our Research team the opportunity to explore remote landscapes, learn from experienced range personnel, and deepen their understanding of the UK’s military training history.
Chris Birch, Research Coordinator: “Working on the DTE project was challenging but extremely rewarding. Exploring parts of the country with complex military histories while enhancing my knowledge of UXO allowed me to develop into a more well-rounded researcher. It also gave me the perfect excuse to invest in some new walking boots!”
Harry Smith, Technical Coordinator: “Having the opportunity to get out into remote parts of the country that very few people have ever experienced, and then being able to write about it and dig into the rich history of the place, was incredible.”
Adam Tanner, Associate Director: “The research, analysis, and writing of the DTE reports required advanced knowledge to conclude a well-rounded and impartial conclusion of risk. This scheme has propelled individual and departmental expertise to new heights, allowing us to intertwine elements of the DTE report methodology into our day-to-day detailed studies.“
Advanced Technology and Historical Analysis
A key part of Brimstone’s approach to this project involved combining historical research with modern technology, including LiDAR imagery, to identify ground disturbances such as craters, disused ranges, and historical firing points. This allowed the team to identify high-risk zones where UXO contamination is likely, distinguish between different levels of UXO risk across a site and provide data-driven recommendations for UXO mitigation strategies.
Alongside this technology-led analysis, our researchers also examined historic maps, military records, and archival photographs – some dating back to the 1800s. These sources helped build a clear picture of how each training area developed over time, ensuring every assessment was grounded in both modern evidence and historical context.
Our UXO Risk Assessments
Brimstone’s UXO Risk Assessments provide essential intelligence for projects involving groundworks, whether for construction, infrastructure, or environmental purposes. Our assessments ensure that potential UXO risks are identified and addressed before work begins, enabling safe and efficient project delivery.
For expert guidance on UXO risk mitigation, contact our Commercial Team:
- Phone: 020 7117 2492
- Email: enquire@brimstoneuxo.com
- Website: www.brimstoneuxo.com/contact
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